Police Interviews

Here is a guide through the intriguing world of forensic psychiatry. In today's installment, we're delving into the fascinating realm of police interrogations and the intricate psychology that underlies them.

A Forensic Psychiatrist's duties involve assessing mentally disordered offenders. They navigate the intricate labyrinth of the human mind to understand and evaluate individuals who have found themselves on the wrong side of the law. Revealed today are the layers of mystery surrounding police interviews and interrogations, shedding light on the psychological tactics employed by law enforcement professionals.

The art of police interrogations is a complex and multifaceted one. It encompasses a variety of psychological techniques designed to elicit information from suspects, especially in cases as captivating as murder investigations. After all, who doesn't love a good murder mystery?

One of the key elements of effective police interrogation is the establishment of an emotional connection with the suspect. Police officers often adopt a friendly and empathetic demeanor, making the suspect feel more comfortable. This may involve offering a cup of coffee, a warm blanket, or even an orange mocha frappuccino with extra sprinkles. The goal is to create an atmosphere of trust and cooperation.

During these interviews, the police tend to ask "how" questions rather than "why" questions. This is a deliberate choice, as "how" questions are less confrontational and judgmental. They allow the suspect to explain their actions without feeling attacked. In some cases, police officers may even subtly shift blame onto the victim, further reducing the suspect's defensiveness.

Another clever tactic employed during interrogations is the use of alternative questions. These questions present suspects with a less morally egregious choice, even if the interviewer doesn't truly believe in it. For instance, a detective might say to a murder suspect, "She overdosed; it wasn't her fault. You just found her body. Just tell us where the body is so the family can find some closure." Suspects may be more inclined to cooperate when presented with this alternative scenario, only to face charges later when more evidence surfaces.

In addition to these strategies, detectives often approach interviews with an overt assumption of guilt. They may assert this assumption rather than leaving it as a point for debate. This can put pressure on the suspect to respond and provide more information.

Now, if you've watched some footage of police interrogations, you've probably noticed that officers tend to ramble and repeat themselves. Initially, this seems unprofessional, as it's quite different from the approach as the forensic psychiatrist. However, realize that this tactic serves a purpose. The constant stream of conversation makes it difficult for suspects to focus or create elaborate lies, as it fills the gaps in the conversation.

But what happens when all these tactics fail? Enter the classic "good cop, bad cop" routine. If empathy and friendliness don't work, the police bring in a more aggressive officer who challenges the suspect. This "bad cop" might even threaten the suspect, claiming to know their guilt and expressing a desire to see them pay for their actions. When the "bad cop" exits the room, the "good cop" remains, often apologizing for their partner's behavior and attempting to build rapport with the suspect. This dynamic can make the suspect more likely to respond to the friendly officer's attempts to understand them.

In the United Kingdom, the Police and Criminal Evidence Act of 1985 (PACE) has encouraged less confrontational interviewing techniques. Leading questions are prohibited, and a presumption of guilt should not enter the interview. While it may be challenging to eradicate such assumptions completely, PACE guidelines emphasize a fairer and more balanced approach.

Repeated questioning is discouraged, as it can lead vulnerable suspects to agree with the police out of pressure rather than honesty. Research suggests that truth-finding techniques result in more confessions and fewer false confessions than adversarial approaches. Building rapport with suspects also encourages honesty.

Now, let's revisit the intriguing case of Sture Bergwall, a Swedish man who confessed to a staggering 30 murders while incarcerated in a mental health institution. Bergwall's confessions were later revealed to be false, and the case raised significant questions about the reliability of such confessions.

Bergwall underwent recovered memory therapy and was on benzodiazepines during police interrogations, which can cause confusion and disorientation. This made it easier for him to guess the answers expected of him based on his interrogators' body language.

Despite the obvious contradictions in his confessions, the police allowed Bergwall to weave a complex web of deceit, only to later reveal contradictory evidence. This disoriented him and made it harder for him to maintain his lies.

The Bergwall case is considered one of the largest miscarriages of justice in Swedish history, highlighting the need for caution and skepticism in murder investigations.

While we explore the intriguing world of police interrogations and the psychology behind them, let's not forget that the best advice I can offer is to refrain from committing crimes, especially murder. Murder is not cool, and the consequences are dire. So, enjoy your hot chocolate, but don't let it be your last stop before prison.